Stop mopeds riding through Tom Thumb's Arch in Bow, East London.
- by: Ben Haigh
- recipient: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
As a resident of six years in Bow, East London, I have watched as Tom Thumb's Arch -- a pedestrian walkway -- has increasingly become a shortcut for mopeds and motorised scooters (Tom Thumb's Arch connects Ordell Road to Malmsbury Rd E3).
In recent months, I have repeatedly seen mopeds speeding through the walkway with no regard for pedestrians. I have reported these incidents to the local police who are endeavouring to catch the riders. They are unfortunately hampered by low resolution CCTV and barriers that do not currently force a moped rider or cyclist to disembark and walk their vehicle or bike through the arch.
This summer, my 15-month-old daughter was being pushed through the walkway, when a moped sped through and clipped our buggy. Fortunately, our child is fine, but my wife was shaken not just by the incident, but also the attitude of the moped rider who seemed to blame my wife and buggy for using this walkway.
Further to this dangerous incident, I am calling on Tower Hamlets Council to replace the existing railings with barriers that force any moped rider or cyclist to disembark. I also call for the current CCTV cameras to be reviewed to see whether they are best suited for capturing images of those responsible. An extremely serious injury or worse is inevitable if these changes are not implemented.
Dear Mr Mayor,
As a resident of six years in Bow, East London, I have watched as Tom Thumb's Arch -- a pedestrian walkway -- has increasingly become a shortcut for mopeds and motorised scooters (Tom Thumb's Arch connects Ordell Road to Malmsbury Rd E3).
In recent months, I have repeatedly seen mopeds speeding through the walkway with no regard at all for pedestrians. I have repeatedly reported these incidents to the local police who are endeavouring to catch the riders.
In July this year, my then 16-month-old daughter was being pushed through the Tom Thumb's Arch walkway, when a moped sped through and clipped her buggy. Fortunately, our child is fine, but my wife was shaken not just by the incident, but also by the attitude of the moped rider who blamed my wife and buggy for using this walkway.
At present any moped rider or cyclist can ride straight into, under and out of the arch (both sides) at speed. The current railings are totally ineffective and the 'cyclists must dismount' constantly ignored. I am calling on Tower Hamlets Council to replace the existing railings with new, wider and carefully erected, staggered barriers that force any moped rider or cyclist to disembark at the arch. I also call for the current CCTV cameras to be reviewed to see whether they are best suited for capturing images of those responsible. Furthemore, the use of mirrors should be considered to make the existing blindspots safe for any pedestrian.
The attached petition has gathered over 250 signatures with many notes of support included. Several of these notes detail local residents' worries, concerns and similar experiences to myself.
It is only a matter of time before a child, elderly person or any other member of the public is hit and seriously injured by a moped or cyclist in this area of the Borough.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Haigh
5, Brecon House
11 Ordell Road
Bow, London
E3 2HF
E: haighb@gmail.com
T: 07968 281 817
Further to my petition, presentation to the council, and meeting with the mayor, Tower Hamlets are getting the ball rolling. If you are local to the Arch or use it fairly frequently, please take a few minutes to click this link and comment as you see fit.
The link:
http://pagedev.co.uk/clients/Projectcentre/projects/tom-thumbs-arch/
Many thanks,
Ben
A quick update to let you know that I have a diary date to soon meet the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, in person at Tom Thumb's Arch. This is further to my council presentation in December. I hope the meeting will be productive and that we make some progress here. Thank you again for your petition support which as enabled me to get this far with the campaign.
Kind regards,
Ben Haigh
I only need five more signatures to hit my 200 target on my petition. I am officially booked in to present this to the Mayor of Tower Hamlets on 5th December. Thank you again for your support. Please can you share the petition link with friends or colleagues to sign if at all possible in this final few days.
Many thanks,
Ben
I shall be presenting this petition to the council on Wednesday 16th November 2016. I will keep you informed with developments.
Thank you again for your support.
Ben
A quick update to let you know that I will probably be presenting this petition to Tower Hamlets Council in November (date to be confirmed). This is good news. I'll keep you updated.
Thank you again,
Ben
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